BMW Sauber to keep Villeneuve waiting

Montreal: Canadian Jacques Villeneuve received a vote of confidence from BMW Sauber team boss Mario Theissen ahead of his home grand prix on Friday.

The 35-year-old, the 1997 Formula One world champion with Williams, still does not know whether he has a drive for next year however.

After several forgettable seasons with BAR and a challenging year with Sauber in 2005, Villeneuve has begun to show glimpses of his old form.

Back in a competitive car, he has scored points in four of eight races this season but it may not be enough to secure his continued presence with the team after his contract expires at the end of the year.

"He should continue as he does," Theissen said after Friday's free practice for Sunday's race in Montreal.

"Jacques is doing very well, we are happy with the performance he puts in. He himself is happy. "Let's see how the season goes.

"We have taken the decision for this year very late last year, and it proved to be the right decision so we are not in a hurry to take a decision for next year," added Theissen who delayed confirming Villeneuve in 2005.

"We'll give all the drivers a chance to show what they can put in, what they can achieve and we will decide on that basis."

No longer the rebel he was when he burst onto the Formula One scene in 1996, Villeneuve has mellowed with age.

He was married last month, his wife is expecting their first child and he has embarked on a music career.

Yet racing remains his main focus. "My job is still racing cars, my job is not music - that's a hobby," said Villeneuve.

"As long as my job is still racing cars, I will concentrate on cars. There will be high criticism, of course, because I'm a race car driver, and anytime you do something that's not your job it pisses people off."

Villeneuve's old foe Michael Schumacher for one had an opinion about the outspoken Canadian's interest in music, insinuating he may be more competitive laying down tracks than racing on them now.

"I understand he's preparing for a new career," said Ferrari's Schumacher. "Maybe that's where he can be competitive. "To be honest, it is difficult to see he could be again at the top level."